Clearwater Area Guide
Experience Clearwater like a local.
The beaches, landmarks, restaurants, things to do, and getting around — curated by the team that lives and plays on Clearwater Beach.
Clearwater Beach
Sugar-white sand, Pier 60 sunsets, and the heart of the island — a two-minute walk from our campus.
Pier 60
The iconic pier with a nightly sunset festival, street performers, crafts, and fishing.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Home to a Hollywood-famous dolphin, focused on rescue, rehabilitation & release.
Restaurants
From Frenchy's grouper sandwich to oceanfront sushi — the best-reviewed dining on the beach.
Family Activities
Dolphin tours, the aquarium, sandcastle sunsets, and kid-safe calm-water paddling.
Getting Around
Walkable, bikeable, and connected by the Jolly Trolley to St. Pete Beach — no car needed.
Local Partners
Trusted by the Stay & Play team.
Clearwater Beach businesses we proudly partner with and recommend to our guests.
Frenchy's Restaurant Group
Clearwater Beach, FL
Frenchy's is a Clearwater Beach institution — famous for their grouper sandwiches, beachfront dining, and laid-back Florida vibe. With multiple locations right on the sand, they're the perfect spot for fresh seafood, sunset drinks, and that classic Gulf Coast experience our guests always ask about.
VISIT FRENCHY'S ONLINE
Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise
Clearwater Beach, FL
Clearwater Beach's original pirate cruise since 1993! This family-friendly adventure sets sail from Clearwater Beach Marina with dolphin watching, treasure hunts, face painting, and a full bar for the grown-ups. Perfect for families looking for something memorable on the water.
VISIT CAPTAIN MEMO'S ONLINE
The Tropics Boat Tours
Clearwater Beach, FL
The best dolphin and sunset cruises on Clearwater Beach aboard their 126-passenger catamaran. Their dolphin watching tours are a guest favorite — you're practically guaranteed to see dolphins playing in the wake. The sunset cruise with full bar and DJ is the perfect way to end a beach day.
VISIT THE TROPICS ONLINE
Wakesurf Tampa
Tampa Bay / Clearwater Beach, FL
Tampa Bay's most exclusive on-water experience. Wakesurf Tampa is a private boat charter offering wakesurfing, wakeboarding, foiling, and tubing aboard top-of-the-line wake boats with professional, certified captains. Charters run by the hour, half day, or full day, and can accommodate groups up to 18 across multiple boats — perfect for families and groups looking for something unforgettable on the water.
VISIT WAKESURF TAMPA ONLINE
Pick Me Up Tampa Transportation
Tampa Bay, FL
Reliable, pre-arranged private transportation throughout Tampa Bay since 2014 — 24,000+ travelers served. Private airport transfers to and from Tampa International (TPA) and St. Pete-Clearwater International (PIE), with flight tracking, transparent pricing, and baggage claim pickup. Great for families and groups, with complimentary infant, convertible, and booster seats available.
VISIT PICK ME UP TAMPA ONLINEDining
Top 5 restaurants on Clearwater Beach.
Based on Google reviews — all a short bike ride from every Stay & Play rental.
Frenchy's Rockaway Grill
★ 4.6 (7,200+ reviews)Beachfront staple since 1981 — iconic grouper sandwich & sunset views.
Clear Sky Beachside Cafe
★ 4.5 (5,600+ reviews)Diverse menu, vibrant beachside vibe, and the beloved crab eggs benedict.
The Salty Crab North Beach
★ 4.5 (4,800+ reviews)Family-friendly with a lively outdoor bar rail on Mandalay Avenue.
Crabby's Dockside
★ 4.4 (6,500+ reviews)Three floors of waterfront dining with panoramic sunset views.
Ocean Hai
★ 4.4 (2,300+ reviews)Upscale Asian-fusion inside the Wyndham Grand with elegant ocean views.
Staff Favorites
Where the Stay & Play team eats.
Our local team's personal picks — the spots we send our friends and family.
Matt's pick
Ferg's St. Pete
A St. Pete institution — massive outdoor sports bar with great vibes, cold drinks, and classic ballpark food near Tropicana Field.
Luke's pick
The Bait House CWB
Fresh-off-the-boat seafood on Clearwater Beach — laid-back, local, and the grouper is as good as it gets.
Aly's pick
Crabby's Beachside Pavilion
Right on the sand with a breezy open-air pavilion — the perfect spot for sunset grouper sandwiches and a cocktail.
Eric's pick
Hogg Daddy's Bar and Grill
A local hidden gem on the island — great burgers, cold beer, and a friendly neighborhood atmosphere.
Andrew's pick
VIP Mexican Food
The team's go-to for authentic Mexican — generous portions, bold flavors, and the best tacos on the beach.
Jason's pick
Clear Sky Restaurants
Jason picks both the Cleveland St. and Beachside locations — diverse menu, vibrant atmosphere, and the famous crab eggs benedict.
Crystal's pick
The Columbia Sand Key
A historic Spanish restaurant on Sand Key — legendary Cuban bread, 1905 Salad, and elegant waterfront dining.
Getting Around
Clearwater Beach without a car.
As our owner Andrew Beltz told Travel + Leisure: "Everything on the island is walkable and so accessible." Here's how to get around:
- Walk & bike: The island is compact and our complimentary beach cruisers cover it all.
- Jolly Trolley: Connects Clearwater Beach to St. Pete Beach with stops at multiple beaches.
- Golf carts: Rent a 4- or 6-seater for effortless family beach-hopping.
Stay in the middle of it all.
Our waterfront campus puts you two minutes from the sand and at the center of everything Clearwater.
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